Microsoft announced today, in partnership with the Information Technology Authority (ITA), the launch of Build Your Business for the first time in the Gulf. Build Your Business, a new curriculum for micro and small businesses, is designed to promote skills training and create new businesses in Oman. Build Your Business is a key initiative in Microsoft’s continued investment in the Sultanate to foster local business’ growth providing entrepreneurs access to productivity and technology tools to grow their businesses; this initiative also comes as part of Microsoft’s commitment to contributing to skills training to communities in Oman, where further jobs can be created.

Representatives from Women Community Knowledge Centers (WCKC) across the Sultanate as well as representatives from ITA’s “SAS Programme” attended this 3-day Master Training Course; these 25 trainers will subsequently pass the knowledge to young Omanis to help entrepreneurs leverage productivity and technology tools to grow their businesses.

“Start-ups and small businesses are the backbone of Oman’s economy and this learning course will encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and set up a business venture,” said Dr. Salim Sultan Al Ruzaiqi, ITA’s CEO. “Over the past years, we have partnered with Microsoft to provide training courses to over 25,000 Omanis across the Sultanate in the area of information technology using Microsoft Digital Literacy Curriculum to enable them to actively participate in building Oman’s Digital Society. We are committed to helping new small businesses get off the ground and providing them with the skills to deal with the rigors of competition and day-to-day business tasks.”

The curriculum draws on best practice training content and approaches and was developed with partners that included the International Youth Foundation who will be delivering the training course in Oman.

“We are pleased to join hands with the ITA to deliver yet another innovative initiative that aims to support Omanis venture into entrepreneurship and establish their own small business, such initiative falls in line with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's vision and Royal Directives to support SME sector in Oman,” said Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, Business Development Manager at Microsoft Oman. “As a leader in the ICT sector, Microsoft has an important role to play in establishing local partnerships that improve access to technology and skills, creating greater opportunities for young people, nurturing talent and generating sustainable business growth across the Sultanate.” Shedding light on the new training course being launched in Oman, he said, “We are seeing a newfound life of entrepreneurism in the Sultanate; Build Your Business will give entrepreneurs and start-ups the best start, helping them to develop their business strategy and compete in the marketplace.”

The business curriculum is suitable for entrepreneurs in all industries; the course modules include: market research, business planning, marketing, accounting, life skills and governance and ethical business practices. Content provided for the curriculum includes: DVD tutorials, video case studies, interactive practice exercises and educational games, business document templates, Microsoft Digital Literacy Curricula and lesson plans.

Microsoft’s Digital Literacy Curriculum will be included in the course, as the first step in the training process. The curriculum provides quality training content focused on real-world skill development and aligns with internationally recognized certification requirements. Program graduates will receive a certification of completion endorsed by Microsoft and partners.

Microsoft’s Citizenship Programme

Founded in 1983, Microsoft’s ‘Citizenship programme was one of the first corporate community investment programmes in the high-tech industry. Microsoft's 27-year history of community engagement has fostered a variety of key community partnerships built on the mutual commitment to find sustainable technology solutions that make a real and lasting difference in people's lives. The Citizenship programme aims to build lasting public private partnerships and utilize Microsoft’s core competencies in information technology to advance social and economic development.

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Background information

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Gulf opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991. Microsoft Gulf today oversees activities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE.